Mary C. Stainton 1913- 2009 Mary died peacefully in her sleep at The Hamlets on January 15, 2009. Mary was born Sept. 8th, 1913 in an original sod house on the homestead near Landis, Sask. Marys parents had emigrated from Ireland in 1906. Mary and her sister moved to Vancouver in the late 20s. She was attracted to the music and young people of the Salvation Army. After spending a year in the officers training college in Toronto, she was commissioned to Kamloops during which time she met her husband Jack Stainton. They were married on Dec. 1, 1936 at St. Pauls Cathedral. Her loving family will miss her warm love and strong spirit. She is mother to Maureen Brady (Barry), Brian (Sharon) and Colleen. Gram to Brent Brady (Glenda), Jonathan Brady (Deanna) and Jennifer Shura (Shawn), DArcy (Theresa), Drew (Rhonda), Denny (Jo) and Dean (Michelle) Stainton and Great Gram to Brendan, Avery, Ashley, Justine, Morgan, Teeghan, Oliver, Alex, Russell, Daulton, Emma, Jacob, Scott, and most recently twins, Kelty & Jackson. She was awaiting news of another great grandchild due in early February. The following was found in her notes: I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch, which, Ive got to hold up for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. George Bernard Shaw She is survived by her older sister, Norah Innes, of New Westminster and brother-in-law, Scottie Stevenson. She was predeceased by her husband Jack, her brother Bob and her grandson Daren. Mary will be missed by her many friends in the city, The Oaks and Jensen Place and all those who knew her as the lady in her green hat and coat out on her daily walk. Widowed at age 46, Mary took the business course at St. Anns Academy and worked as a bookkeeper in Law offices for the next 18 years. In her words, retirement was no problem as grandchildren enriched life at that time and family has always come first. Great grandchildren enriched her later years and days. Mary was an active volunteer in the community - the P.T.A., Guide Association (receiving recognition from Lady Baden Powell), the Red Cross Blood Donor Clinic, Musical Festival, and St. Pauls Cathedral. She was a long term member of many organizations including the Excelsior Rebekah Lodge No 23 (since 1948), Kamloops Garden Club, RIH Ladies Auxiliary and a founding member of the Happy Choristers. She served as treasurer or bookkeeper of many of these organizations and was described as part of the guaranteed audience at events in the city. Over her lifetime, Mary experienced many losses but was always able to grieve and then find joy in living and in adding joy to the lives of her family and friends. She accepted the changes that life requires as transitions to be mastered. She was a model of graciousness. Special thanks Dr. A. Burris & Barb, Drs. Proctor who provided care over many years. Thanks also to Drs. Rishiraj and Mehta, and to the staff of The Hamlets at Westsyde. Donations in her memory to The Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, St. Pauls Cathedral or the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice House would be appreciated. A celebration of Marys life will be held at St. Pauls Cathedral, 4th and Nicola on Saturday, January 24th, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception in the church hall.